Destin 79 Exceptional
Destin Livability #132 ranked city in Florida#1,805 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Destin

PROS
  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

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What's it like Living in Destin?

Destin is a mid-sized city located in the state of Florida. The city has a population of 14,482 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Destin is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian.

Living in Destin can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Florida, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Destin and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Destin to Florida and the national average.

The livability score in Destin is 77/100 and the city is ranked in the 92nd percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, Destin is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Destin also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Destin has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+), education (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Destin. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F).

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Destin, the unemployment rate stands at 1.72%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Destin, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 79%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Destin excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Destin is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Destin come in at $346,000, which is 107.4% higher than the Florida average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Destin, the home price to income ratio is 4.3, which is 26.5% higher than the Florida average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Destin

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Destin?

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Compare Destin, FL Livability

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      Destin transportation information

      Statistic Destin Florida National
      Average one way commute22min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.3%79.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.1%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.7%2.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.2%1.5%2.8%
      Working from home10.6%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Destin, FL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).